Sha Tin Junior School

Parent Information Session:

Year 1 Intake 2016/2017 Focus of the Information Session:

• Message about Junior School • Basic facts about the school • The Year 1 admission session • How you can help • Questions and answers

Learning for Life Our Mission SJS is an inspiring learning community. We provide an inclusive environment where effort is valued, learning is engaging and creativity is fostered. Our curriculum is underpinned by the elements of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and provides a robust international education. All stakeholders are encouraged to play an active part to enhance learning. We celebrate our cultural diversity, appreciate our place in Hong Kong, and believe in the importance of and culture.

Learning for Life We aim to be a community of learners who are: Knowledgeable Caring Thinkers Reflective

Inquirers Balanced

Communicators Principled Risk Takers Open-minded At Sha Tin Junior School...

we are committed to developing good relationships we believe that children learn best when they feel safe and happy we are an IBPYP school we are accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) we focus on developing a solid literacy and numeracy foundation and on learning through play Basic facts: • 30 classes with 30 children in each class • 1 teacher and 1 full-time education assistant in every Year 1, 2 and 3 class • Mandarin, Physical Education, Music, Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and Information Literacy specialists • Access Centre team • Principal – Perry Tunesi, Vice Principal - Angela Whitaker (lower phase); Bryan Turner (upper phase) • 2 Lead Teachers of Curriculum • We have a Learning Centre, a school hall, a computer suite, music and design technology rooms, a performing arts room and a gymnasium • We share a pool and a sports hall with The Y1 Admission Session:

• How it works

• How you can help

• What to bring How it works: • ESF Tsing Yi and Kindergartens are visited prior to the interviews at SJS

• Families are greeted by staff in the foyer of the SJS main office • Children are taken upstairs to a classroom for their admission session – this greeting process is prompt so that time with children is maximised • 6 - 8 children per group • Kari Yeung(secretary) will meet with parents and verify all documentation (5 minutes) • Parents remain in the office foyer and, in turn, meet with a member of the Leadership Team and discuss their child (approx 10 minutes) How it works:

• Interview with the children lasts approximately one hour • Children participate in oral language activities with the admissions team • Following this, staff reconnect the children with parents in the foyer • Families depart SJS • Staff will speak directly with parents on the day of the admission session should any further information be required Interviewing Room

How you can help

• Prepare your child to separate from you on arrival at SJS • Talk about coming to SJS to talk and play • Talk about the job you need to do when your child is playing • Tell your child you will be waiting for them when he/she finishes playing How you can help

• Encourage your child to talk to the staff and have fun. Your anxiety will rub off on the child. Stay calm, be relaxed and smile • Please be 10 minutes early – this assists us give your child maximum time and energy for their interview • Please take your child to the bathroom How you can help (at home)

• Encourage your child to use language spontaneously during play

• Ask your child open questions

• Encourage your child to use language in social situations

• Share books together – talk about it as you read • Passports (parent and child) including valid visas for non-permanent residents • Hong Kong birth certificate if applicable • HKID card • 3 photographs, size 40mm x 50mm (write your child’s name and DOB on the back please) • Two proof of HK address documents - a stamped copy of tenancy / purchase agreement AND a utility bill or bank statement. • Any reports (e.g. kindergarten reports, speech language reports, occupational therapy assessment reports or educational psychologist assessment reports or any other developmental assessment reports) I declare that I have made one application to ESF. I understand I can also submit an ESF PIS application and that the information I have given is accurate. The ESF, or its schools, reserve the right to ask the student’s previous school or kindergarten for any information regarding your child’s application. Incomplete or inaccurate information may render an application null and void. The result of the Y1 admission session:

• Will be communicated by letter from SJS – by regular mail in the week of 15 February 2016 • Acceptance of offer and deposit must be returned to SJS no later than 24 February 2016 • Please take a copy of the information sheet on the Non-refundable Capital Levy payment** If your child is not successful at the Y1 admission session:

• You may apply to join the wait list after 6 months (a future admission session is dependent upon vacancies at SJS) • You may wish to approach a non ESF school Parking

• There is no parking available at SJS • Please be warned that Hong Kong Police may issue traffic infringement notices for illegal parking around SJS Finally

We look forward to seeing you and your child in January 2016. Please do not hesitate to contact SJS staff prior to your interview if you have any questions. Any questions?